WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Houston Astros closer Josh Hader resumed throwing Wednesday as pitchers and catchers reported to spring training, easing concerns after a recent offseason injury scare.
Hader was diagnosed with biceps tendinitis roughly 10 days ago after feeling discomfort in his left biceps while throwing a changeup during his fourth bullpen session of the offseason. Imaging revealed inflammation in the tendon, prompting the Astros to shut him down from throwing for about 10 to 11 days.
“The biceps kind of got inflamed, so I took about 10 days off and started letting that heal a little bit, and now we’re here today,” Hader said Wednesday.
The six-time All-Star returned to flat-ground throwing at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches during the first official workout for pitchers and catchers. While the team is encouraged by his progress, his availability for Opening Day on March 26 remains uncertain.
Day-to-Day, but Timeline Still Unclear
“I don’t know really the timeline on it,” general manager Dana Brown said. “The good thing is he was ramping it up and was on his fourth bullpen session. The first three were seamless. The good thing is he feels good right now, he’s been feeling good for a few days, and he’s going to throw today.”
Manager Joe Espada said Hader is currently considered day-to-day and noted the club still has time to bring him along gradually.
“It’s early,” Espada said. “We have a good seven, eight weeks [before Opening Day]. We have time, and Josh knows his body very well, so he will let us know.”
Recovery Progress and Outlook
The issue is not believed to be related to the left shoulder capsule strain that ended Hader’s 2025 season in August, costing him the final 46 games. That injury marked the first time in his nine-year career that he had been placed on the injured list for a physical ailment.
Hader acknowledged he’s about three weeks behind schedule in his preparation but expressed optimism about his recovery. Both Espada and Brown also struck a confident tone about his chances of being ready for the season.
“I think he’s going to be fine,” Brown said. “The big thing is he feels really good. At the end of the day, he was building up and this is expected. You’re going to get soreness when you’re coming off an injury. I feel confident he’s going to be all right, mainly because he feels really good.”
Before his shoulder injury last season, Hader posted a 2.05 ERA with 28 saves in 29 opportunities across 48 appearances. He is entering the third year of his five-year, $95 million contract with Houston.